Man pleads guilty to killing sister in Rockcastle Co. road rage crash

. MT. VERNON, Ky. (WKYT) - Clyde White was 78 when police say his anger caused him to ram the van his sister, 83 year old Dorothy "Dot" Whitaker, and brother, Lawrence White were in. Police described the Aug. 29, 2011 incident as a case of “road rage.”

“He (White) had stated to troopers that he felt that his sister was attempting to gain control of his finances,” said assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney Jeremy Bartley of the motive.

Police said White started chasing the van his brother and sister were in as the three were following each other from Richmond to Corbin.

“I think he’s had dementia for some time,” said White’s attorney Jerry Cox.

The plea changes the charge of murder to manslaughter second and was done in part because of what prosecutors described as “White’s mental illness.”

Judge Tapp had to repeat the questions for White several times, and once White left the courtroom to discuss the plea deal with his attorney because Tapp wasn’t sure that White understood the proceedings.

The second degree manslaughter charge carries a sentence of anywhere from 5 to 10 years in prison. And in accordance to Kentucky law, he may only have to serve 20 percent, or 2 years of that sentence.Prosecutors are recommending a 10 year sentence.

“Our hope is that he will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life. Given his age and health, that is certainly possible,” said Bartley.

“He wants to move on. I think he is satisfied in that respect,” said Cox.

A judge will decide the final length of punishment when he is sentenced April 26th

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